Aakash Chopra picks India's probable playing XI for Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 1st Test, expects 2 players to make their debut

Aakash Chopra has picked India's probable playing XI for the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He opined that the visitors might field two debutants in the series opener.

The first Test of the five-match series between India and Australia will be played in Perth from Friday, November 22, onwards. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will reportedly miss the series opener, with the former wanting to spend time with his family after the birth of his second child and the latter suffering a hairline fracture on his thumb during practice.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel 'Aakash Chopra', the former India opener opined that KL Rahul will partner Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top of the order.

"Two spots have opened up now, one is for an opener and the other is for a No. 3 player. I don't think it will be advisable to send (Virat) Kohli at No. 3. Allow somebody else to bat at No. 3. Based on the current situation, I see KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal opening," he said (5:00).

Chopra reckons India can choose anyone among Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan for the No. 3 position.

"KL Rahul also got injured but now he is okay. Since he came to practice in the nets, it means he will open. If he opens, who will come at No. 3? Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan are the three options available who are already with the team due to the shadow India A tour," he observed.

The cricketer-turned-commentator feels Gaikwad's impressive performances in the match simulation practice might earn him his debut.

"You can choose anyone among them. It's been heard that Ruturaj Gaikwad batted extremely well in the last practice, scored 83 and 87 runs. So you might see him debuting at No. 3. It doesn't make any difference whoever you play, in a sense that injustice is not being done to anyone and no one is being favored more," Chopra noted.

Reports suggest that the team management has asked Padikkal to stay back in Australia. Gaikwad and Sudharsan have reportedly traveled back to India with the rest of the India A squad members.

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"Another option could be to move Kohli to No. 3 and Pant to No. 4" - Aakash Chopra

Virat Kohli has an impressive record in Tests in Australia. [P/C: Getty]

In the same video, Aakash Chopra named Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel to complete the top six. However, he added that the trio could alternatively bat a slot higher if India don't want to play anyone among Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal.

"After that, you will have Kohli at No. 4. You will have Rishabh Pant at No. 5. I feel Dhruv Jurel will be seen playing at No. 6. Another option could be to move Kohli to No. 3 and Pant to No. 4, play Dhruv at No. 5, and keep Sarfaraz (Khan) at No. 6, and then you can carry on without playing Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan or Devdutt Padikkal," he said (6:35).

While opining that India are unlikely to use the second option, the renowned commentator added that Nitish Kumar Reddy will likely make his debut alongside Gaikwad.

"This is also an option but I don't think the Indian team are going to use that option. I am thinking the top six I said earlier, and then Nitish Kumar Reddy at No. 7. I am seeing two debuts - one is Nitish Kumar Reddy and the second I feel Ruturaj Gaikwad might make his debut. There is a strong possibility," Chopra observed.

While naming Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj as certainties, Chopra opined that the visitors will have to choose between Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, and Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna, for the other two bowling positions.

"After that, you will see the bowlers. One of Jadeja and Sundar will play, and then you go with Bumrah, Siraj and Akash Deep/Prasidh Krishna. Play whoever you want because playing A or B won't make much difference," he stated.

Aakash Chopra's probable Indian playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Ruturaj Gaikwad/Devdutt Padikkal/Sai Sudharsan, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja/Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep/Prasidh Krishna